We just come back from Montecarlo and that was a memorable and delicious stay ! We went there for the new Art Fair called ArtMontecarlo that took place in Grimaldi forum, very well located. 39 galleries participated, the major part were french, belgium, german, italian, among the best ones like Galleria Continua, Almine Rech Gallery, Tornabuoni, Laurent Godin, Eva Meyer, Nathalie Seroussi, In Situ…The selection was excellent, I invite you to see more pics on my Insta account : parisedeluxearty.

Dalinienne Empire – 1965

When I booked the hotel I didn’t hesitate : Hotel Metropole was my first and unique choice and I was so right ! The best atmosphere in Monaco thanks to Jacques Garcia signature : cosy, elegant, refined, stylish, arty without being too trendy, with an excellent good taste that unifies the ensemble. Actually you feel like living in a marvelous private mansion with a soul. A kind of best kept secret in Monaco ! I loved the warm library-bar for a drink with friends. The spa is very pleasant, relaxing, and the pool side a dream, moreover the lunch there was great with the best Pissaladiere I ever had ( french mediterranean specialty, kind of tart with glazed and roasted onions), without speaking of the xxl tiramisu to share for dessert (see pic below) !

The chef of the 2 hotel stared- restaurants is the famous and celebrated french big boss of haute cuisine : Joel Robuchon . His family name himself looks like a recipe or a french cheese 😉

We tried his amazing japanese restaurant called Yoshi , the first truly japanese restaurant launched by a french chef. Actually we were very lucky to have a table as this is not huge and always over booked, and I do understand why : this was just beyond ! many people in travel and luxury business are talking about experience but really, I can tell the difference between a promise and the reality and … you won’t be disappointed by the promise : this place is a true space and time capsule ! Everything was absolutely divine : the sushis (see 3rd pic below) were perfect, the king crab california rolls were the best I’ve ever had , the lacquered chicken was great…The decor is just breathtaking, totally mingei ( japonese minimalist, very aesthetic and functional) with an amazing chandelier floating above the table ( second pic below) overlooking a contemporary japonese garden (cf just below) . You’re just eating in an artwork !

The first evening after the opening of the Art Fair we had a dinner with art dealers and curators at Nobu in Fairmont hotel that I do recommend also. The flavors , the textures are another tasty experience. Great place for happy dinner with friends. sorry I don’ t have pics…

Among the mythical place to party the Jimmy’s is on the top list and we went there ! The famous auctioneer Simon de Pury, warmed up the house with his 80’s mix.

Many people think Monaco is artificial, superficial, all centered on real estate, cars, casino and diamonds…nobody thinks immediately about …museums or contemporary art centers and that’s a big mistake ! I tell you : The Rock- as we say in France- is becoming a place of interest for art lovers, thanks to the great personality of Marie-Claude Beaud, director of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco ( NMNM), i.e the New National Museum of Monaco, including Villa Sauber (pic 1 below) – a magnificent villa from Belle Epoque time- showing a global artistic project by Italian artist Francesco Vezzoli called Villa Marlene, tribute to the divine Marlene Dietrich (2nd pic) , meanwhile Villa Paloma from 1013, located on the heights and offering a breathtaking view on the sea, houses hyper-realist sculptures by Duane Hanson- very freaky ones !- and Thomas Demand tricky images (4th pic). Do not miss also the video by Oscar Murillo called Meet me Mr Superman presented there.

So, no need to be a billionaire with a huge Yacht to enjoy Monaco as you can see. Art lovers will be more than satisfied by their stay 😉 and I already want to come back in this very Deluxe&Arty place !